Jeff Horn, set and raring to challenge Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown, has likened himself to the Filipino world boxing legend, particularly in speed.
“I think I’ve got a similar style to his, I’ve got the speed, so I’m a good mover,” Horn claimed.
He added: “It’s going to be harder for him to lay those hands on me because he’s fought a few guys that don’t move as well.”
Like Chris Algieri, sent rolling on the floor half a dozen times by Pacquiao in 2014?
“Horn has more power than Algieri,” said Lee Cleveland of Fight Saga. “He’s more poised and technically astute.”
Horn, tagged the Southpaw Stopper by handlers, loves to dig a mean left hand to the liver.
Horn, 29, has an unblemished 16-0 record to back his claim. However, an exclusive video of him in action would show his claim that he’s comparably as fast as Pacquiao is somewhat exaggerated.
The former school teacher from Brisbane also tends to leave his head uncovered, over-exposed when digging in for the kill.
Said Fight Saga: “Horn is more flatfooted than Algieri. He moves well, but don’t expect him to play ‘hide and seek’ with Manny.”
Jeff Horn: “I don’t want to say I’m to stop Pacquiao. But yes, I do think I will win. I’m very confident of that.”
Horn has vowed to stand his ground.
Trainer Freddie Roach: Great, the better, sweeter if [he] doesn’t run and hide.